Temple nurses and techs secure new contract, preventing an imminent strike.
Hundreds of nurses and technicians at Temple University Hospital have successfully ratified a new three-year contract that promises significant pay increases and enhanced security provisions. This agreement, finalized late last Friday, effectively circumvents a planned five-day strike that was set to commence Monday morning. Union leaders estimated that the potential strike could have cost the hospital millions in hiring temporary personnel.
This contract marks a significant achievement for the nurses and technicians, who have been advocating for improved safety measures and training, particularly following reports of workplace violence including physical assaults. Over the summer, union members had organized rallies to call for these essential changes, underscoring their commitment to a safer working environment.
The negotiations leading up to the agreement involved extensive discussions between hospital administrators and representatives from the Temple University Hospital Nurses Association (TUHNA) and the Temple University Allied Health Professionals (TAP). The newly approved contract impacts around 1,600 nurses and 1,000 other healthcare professionals, including social workers and pharmacists, with a majority working at Temple’s primary hospital located in North Philadelphia and at the Temple Women & Families Hospital in the Crescentville neighborhood.
The contract establishes various safety enhancements, including the installation of weapon detectors at the Temple Women & Families Hospital within 120 days. These detectors are already operational at the main hospital, furthering the institution’s commitment to safety. Additionally, the agreement mandates the presence of certified protection officers for intervention during violent incidents and insists on the availability of functional panic buttons, surveillance systems, and emergency alert protocols.
In a statement regarding the contract, the hospital emphasized its dedication to fair and equitable terms, acknowledging the exceptional efforts of its employees, which align with Temple Health’s mission to deliver safe, high-quality care to the community.
The contract was overwhelmingly supported by union members, with over 90% of TAP members and 87% of TUHNA members voting in favor. The two unions are affiliated with the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), which played a crucial role in negotiations.
Significantly, nurses, technicians, and allied health professionals secured wage increases of 3.25% for the first two years and 3% in the final year of the contract. The successful ratification of this agreement not only signifies a step forward in workplace safety and compensation but also reflects the collective strength and resolve of the nursing workforce at Temple University Hospital.
